NPO eboard to Provide AI-Powered 'Easy Japanese' Conversion Tool for Free Until March 2027

Non-profit organization eboard has developed an 'Easy Japanese' conversion and translation tool leveraging generative AI. This tool can instantly transform difficult texts and images into easy-to-understand words, aiming to aid the learning and communication of children with foreign roots who need Japanese language instruction, and children requiring special support due to reading and writing difficulties. While the operation of this tool has been covered by grants until now, with the end of the grant period, the organization will continue to offer it for free from April 2026 until the end of March 2027 using its own funds. To address the serious needs in educational settings and ensure the stable provision of the tool in the coming fiscal years, they have also begun soliciting donations for support. Background: A Record 69,000 Facing the "Language Barrier" and Resource Limits The number of schoolchildren (elementary, junior high, and high school) who require Japanese language instruction is increasing year by year, reaching a record high of approximately 69,000 in FY2023 (*). While guidance is provided under a "special curriculum" to support these children, it often concludes when they reach a "daily conversation level." The current reality is that they frequently do not reach a level where they can participate in subject learning without assistance. *Source: Survey on the Acceptance of Students Requiring Japanese Language Instruction (FY2023) Furthermore, many municipalities and schools face difficulties in establishing an adequate Japanese language instruction system due to financial and human resource shortages. Additionally, the uneven distribution of foreign students on both national and regional scales makes standardized administrative responses challenging. Transforming to "Easy Japanese" with Generative AI: Three Features to Support Learning Instantly "Easy Japanese" refers to simplified Japanese designed with consideration for the listener, such as paraphrasing difficult words (*). The "Easy Japanese" tool, developed by NPO eboard using generative AI, is a conversion and translation tool that supports smooth communication and learning in all aspects of school life. *Source: Immigration Services Agency and Agency for Cultural Affairs, "Easy Japanese Guidelines for Residence Support" <"Easy Japanese" Conversion Tool> By simply copying and pasting text, it instantly converts into "Easy Japanese." The ability to toggle the display of ruby (furigana) allows for adjustments according to the child's Japanese proficiency level. It can also read text from images using a camera function, seamlessly connecting to learning. Instantly translates voice and displays it on a tablet or screen, supporting communication with people from diverse linguistic backgrounds. <"Easy Japanese" Dictionary> When an unknown word is entered, it explains the meaning in "Easy Japanese." Furthermore, images and illustrations that complement the meaning are automatically displayed. Demonstration Results Show Changes in Children's "Confidence" From FY2024 to FY2025, NPO eboard conducted trials of the "Easy Japanese" tool at schools nationwide attended by children with foreign roots and those needing special support, such as those with reading and writing difficulties. Trial Results for Children with Foreign Roots Trials involving children with foreign roots revealed that the use of the "Easy Japanese" tool significantly reduced the reading burden. About 3 out of 4 children answered, "Reading sentences became easier" or "I feel like I can read sentences by myself with this." "It's convenient because I can look up words I don't know right away. It's easy to use just by entering (words using the camera or typing). It's easy to understand because there is furigana (on the displayed 'Easy Japanese'). Understanding makes it fun, and I've started to take an interest." "We started using the tool around the time we were able to read textbooks together. Because children can look up words independently, supporters can spend more time on sentence pattern instruction and assisting with class content. It can be used both in the classroom and at home, providing peace of mind even after graduating from Japanese language instruction." Trial Results for Children Requiring Special Support Children and supporters who used the tool reported that using the "Easy Japanese" conversion tool not only makes sentences easier to read but also has the secondary effect of supporting lifestyle aspects centered on communication. In trials with children with dyslexia (reading and writing difficulties), the use of the "Easy Japanese" tool significantly reduced the reading burden. About 4 out of 5 children answered, "Reading sentences became easier" or "I feel like I can read sentences by myself with this." In trials with children with mild intellectual disabilities, the use of the "Easy Japanese" tool significantly reduced the reading burden. About 3 out of 4 children answered, "Reading sentences became easier."